Will Schools Be Closed on July 7 for Muharram 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know

As Muharram 2025 approaches, parents, students, and school authorities across India are left wondering whether Monday, July 7, will be a public holiday. While Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 6, the final date hinges on the sighting of the moon, a crucial element in determining Islamic calendar events.

Why the Confusion Over the Holiday?

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, meaning that religious observances like Muharram shift each year and are often confirmed only after the moon is sighted. In India, the crescent moon was reportedly seen on June 26, marking June 27 as the first day of Muharram. Accordingly, Ashura should fall on July 6. However, if the moon had not been sighted as expected, Ashura could have been observed a day later—on July 7. This uncertainty has led to delays in declaring school and office holidays, especially in states with significant Muslim populations.

Will Schools Remain Open on July 7?

As of now, no nationwide school holiday has been declared for Monday, July 7. Since July 6 falls on a Sunday, it already coincides with the weekend, and thus, no additional day off has been officially announced. However, state-level decisions may still change this.

States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, and Kerala, where Muharram is more prominently observed, are likely to announce a holiday on July 7 if Ashura is confirmed to be on that day. Many schools are waiting for local administration circulars and moon sighting reports before issuing notices to parents.

What Should Parents and Students Do?

Given the fluid nature of the date and holiday status, here’s what families should keep in mind:

1. Check local school circulars or messages from school apps.

2. Follow updates from district education departments or official state websites.

3. Stay tuned to news channels and community announcements from mosques or religious boards.

4. Be prepared for a last-minute notification, especially if you're in a region where Islamic holidays are state-specific.

Why Is Muharram Important?

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th day, Ashura, is particularly significant as it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Shia Muslims observe the day with mourning processions, Majlis (gatherings), and Tazia rituals, while Sunni Muslims often mark it with fasting and prayer.

CBSE School Calendar and July Break

As per the CBSE’s 2025–26 academic calendar, Muharram is listed as a tentative holiday on July 6. However, due to the religious observance’s dependency on lunar sightings, there’s always the possibility of a shift to July 7, prompting changes in school schedules. Most schools in north and central India have already resumed classes following summer vacations, making early July an active academic period.

While July 6 (Sunday) is the currently observed date for Ashura, parents and students should remain alert for any updates that might shift the holiday to Monday, July 7. State governments and local authorities will make the final decision based on moon sightings and community consultations. Until then, it’s wise to stay flexible and monitor official communication channels closely.

Also Read:

Muharram 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals & Observances of Ashura in India